Fused Film Friday Classic: THEM! (1954)
THEM!
Director: Gordon Douglas
Starring: James Whitmore, Edmund Gwen, Joan Weldon, James Arness, Onslow Stevens, Sean McClory and Chris Drake
Release Date: June 19, 1954
Running Time: 94 min
The earliest atomic tests in New Mexico cause common ants to mutate into giant man-eating monsters that threaten civilization. One of the first of the “nuclear monster” movies, and the first “big bug” film, Them! was the biggest moneymaker for Warner’s in the year of its release. When Them began production in early 1954, it was originally conceived to be in 3-D and WarnerColor.
During pre-production, tests were to be shot in color and 3-D. A few color tests were shot, but when it was time to shoot the other test, WB’s “All Media” 3-D camera rig malfunctioned and no tests were shot. The next day, a memo was sent out that the color and 3-D aspects of the film were to be scrapped, and that black and white and widescreen would be the preferred format. Because of the preparation of certain shots, however, many of the camera set-ups for 3-D still remain, such as the opening titles and flame-throwers that are shot at the camera. And if you don’t think this movie has influenced anyone in Hollywood today watch Cloverfield again. A frame of Them! can be seen at 24.02 in the film. This movie is a classic that no one show miss out on.
